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Celebrating Eid in Bradford West Gwillimbury (5 photos)

‘Eid Mubarak!’

Community members gathered in Bradford West Gwillimbury on Saturday to celebrate Eid ul Adha, known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice' to recognize the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 

This is one of the most important Islamic holidays, celebrated with food and family as a way to show gratitude for life's blessings. This year the holiday is being observed from July 8 to 12. 

The Islamic Centre of Bradford and the new Afghan Islamic society of Simcoe County held their prayer services and bazaars Saturday morning to celebrate at the Bradford Community Centre and Bradford United Church. 

Councillors Jonathan Scott, Raj Sandhu and Mark Contois attended the morning services. 

“It’s wonderful to join you to celebrate an important holiday of your faith, commemorating the ending of the hajj, pilgrimage of Father Ibrahim," said Coun. Jonathan Scott. "There’s nothing I can think of more Canadian than a mosque meeting in an old hockey rink, and we’re pleased to be here to wish you Eid Mubarak!”

“Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world mark the end of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, and celebrate Eid al-Adha," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement on Saturday.  “The holiday is also an important time to reflect on the values of compassion, charity, and community service – values we hold dear as Canadians. Muslims across Canada have always embodied these values. From coast to coast to coast, they help the most vulnerable, volunteer with local organizations in our communities, and care for neighbours and newcomers. Today, we also take the time to recognize the invaluable contributions Canadian Muslims have made, and continue to make, to our country.

“Today and every day, we recommit ourselves to building a better Canada where everyone can feel welcome, safe, and respected. There is no place for discrimination in any form in our country. That is why the Government of Canada will continue to fight Islamophobia, including by appointing the country’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia."